spanning skimmer throat?

[alphadog]

Hi everyone,

What is the recommended method for spanning the skimmer throat when using 4" wide coping? I used to build pools, but we used deck-o-form or the old cast coping pieces that were larger.

I have seen references to a stainless steel skimmer bar - but I have never seen such a thing. Links would be great, or the proper terminology.

My problem is that I have a gunite pool with travertine coping. There is no expansion joint between coping and deck, so I am dealing with pieces popping off, and in some cases, pieces cracking due to the concrete deck expanding.

I have 2 choices in my mind pull the copping and slide it forward, or cut an expansion joint all the way around 1.5" deep. The skimmers were spanned with a large piece of ceramic tile, and the coping placed on that. It is solid, but will have to be destroyed to get the coping up. There must be a better way then this.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Patrick_B]

Sorry I can't help, but most of us are owners and not builders. That said, perhaps a bump will get this seen by someone with more ideas.

 

[alphadog]

Thanks - yes , I was hoping maybe someone had done a coping project. I am now looking at putting in thicker coping and covering my deck with some kind of tile.... Would love advice if anyone has it.

I just noticed, I have a signature that I never set... funny, never lived in Arkansas nor do i have any of the equipment mentioned...

 

[smracing]

I used a piece of 1/4" thick 304 stainless steel plate. I had it cut to size with a water jet about 18" x 12". I put down a thin layer of mortar, set the plate, and installed tapcon screws. I have flagstone for coping.